Don't Throw Out Popsicle Sticks Without Trying This Adorable DIY Birdhouse

Popsicles are a fun treat no matter what temperature it is outside, but when you finish the frozen dessert, don't throw out the stick. There are lots of DIY popsicle stick projects that are perfect for around the house, including building an adorable birdhouse. Most popsicle sticks are made from birch wood, which is considered safe for birds, and some species prefer the wood because it has better ventilation than plastic and metal. This makes those leftover popsicle sticks a perfect construction material for a DIY birdhouse.

Use the popsicle sticks to build the structure and use bird-safe glue to adhere it all together. For this hack, you'll need about 30-45 popsicle sticks, wooden ice cream spoons or other types of sticks to make a perch, some plastic or cardboard, string, non-toxic glue, bird food to attract your new avian friends, and non-toxic paint to decorate, if you choose to paint. Water-based or natural paints will work best to bring in the birds; avoid oil paints due to their chemical content.

Gather your popsicle sticks and any other sticks to start building the base. Pile them on top of each other horizontally or vertically to create the sides, and glue them together in a simple square shape or be more elaborate in a gazebo-like design. Wood glue or hot glue is recommended. Put either plastic or cardboard underneath to hold the bird food. Adhere two small wooden ice cream spoons or another small wooden feature sticking out to the sides to create a perch for the birds. Next, create the roof by laying down a bunch of popsicle sticks flat and at least two in the opposite direction to hold them all together. They can be as close together as you want.

Once that's done, glue the roof onto the base or adhere using some vertical popsicle stick pillars to create more space for the birds to hang out. After finishing the structure, leave the wood natural or customize with non-toxic, water-based paints. Take into account that there are certain colors that will attract more birds to your garden, while some prefer natural-looking homes. It also may take some time for new feathered friends to find the house; use some tips and tricks to attract birds to the new feeder, like filling it the night before they feed in the early mornings.